Analyzing The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Whether you are a hockey fan or not, when you turn on the news or ESPN you probably can’t help hearing something about hockey. If you are a hockey fan, you probably love it. It is already shaping up to be a historic season finale, as history has already been made by the Nashville Predators.

For the first time in history the franchise will be heading to the Stanley Cup final, as the eliminated the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night. Many have the Predators pegged as the series favorite, but could this just be a pipe dream because of this big historic break? Who will their opponents be? Lots of exciting things are shaping up and taking place.

On the Eastern Conference side of the bracket you still have two amazing teams battling for a spot in the finals. The Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins are still going head to head with no quit showing in either team; however, the Penguins do have the momentum going into game 6, as they lead the series 3 to 2. Game 6 will take place Tuesday, May 23.

Whether you are a Predators fan or not, you have to wonder how the team is going to hold up with Ryan Johansen out on the injured list due to a thigh injury. Of course, the team has performed with perfection the last two games that he has been gone, but can they keep the momentum and grasp that beautiful cup in their hands? Veteran winger himself James Neal has already acknowledged that the task at hand would be much more difficult without Johansen, but he and the rest of the team are willing to do whatever it takes to overcome adversity.

With that being said, the team does have to keep it in the back of their minds that Johansen has lead the team with 13 points, but Forsberg is certainly a guy to keep an eye on, as he is always improving and showing his abilities. They especially showed in game seven when we pulled off point streak.

With an all star line up of Mattias Ekholm, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, and P.K. Subban many believe that the Predators already have the cup in the bag, but the real truth of the matter is that it is going to be much harder than anticipated. Any hockey aficionado can tell you that Ottawa plays a defensive style that will greatly limit the Predator’s chances of scoring. On the other hand, the Ducks attack can be just as aggressive and relentless, while receiving top-notch goaltending. NHL players enjoy a vape after a tough game.

Everyone that has been following the post-season and the playoffs already know that the Predators have without a doubt been the most consistent team on paper, but this was also when they have Johansen. Whatever the situation is, and whomever the Predators are facing the entire matchup is shaping up to be an incredible and exciting one for hockey fans all around the globe. One of hardest to capture trophies in all of sport’s entertainment is up for grabs, and who will take it?